Escada Spring Summer 2012 Ad Campaign

Take advantage of the amazing power of classy attire options to create a seductive elegant look that will make you become a fashion icon without tons of effort by taking a closer look at the Escada spring/summer 2012 campaign.

Structured, perfectly fitting pieces might be the main style highlights of the new season, yet indulging in elegant, loose fitting attire options can be surprisingly refreshing and liberating if done correctly. If elegant classy yet seemingly undemanding fashion alternatives are go to styles for the new season, you'll be head over heels with the new spring 2012 Escada ad campaign which focuses on these exact principles.

Classy and sultry are not necessarily two notions that have to be mutually exclusive and the lust-worthy attire options that stand right at the border of refined and classy and casual and seductive are a wonderful illustration of this fashion mantra. Well defined structure with a twist can make even the most conservative attire choices smoking hot and Iselin Steiro sure helps to get this important point across within seconds.

Colorful jumpsuits, flowy dresses, body sculpting suits, masculine blouses and a confident attitude are all the ingredients needed for a head turning look this season according to the brand. No need to stress over creating elaborate structures or go overboard by selecting flashy accessories in order to stand out. In fact, choosing adaptable, functional accessories is best if you are keen on keeping things practical and simple.

Adding a mysterious allure to your look couldn't be simpler with the help of the season's most representative accessory, sunglasses, which paired with a purposely messy vibe given by a fabulous hairstyle will automatically ensure the 'wow' factor. With accessories like flat sandals, thin belts and simple long necklaces, the irresistible touch is intensely magnified. Create your best looks with simple style rules by taking inspiration from the alluring outfits displayed.

News Source: becomegorgeous.com
Photo courtesy of Escada

Coco Rocha for Longchamp Spring 2012 Campaign

Coco Rocha stars in the new Longchamp spring 2012 campaign alongside model Liisa Winkler and professional dancer Alexia Level. Fresh, funny and dynamic, the French house's campaign is the perfect expression of the Longchamp spirit.

The latest Longchamp spring 2012 campaign, starring Canadian models Coco Rocha and Liisa Winkler, is energetic, fun and fresh. "We really wanted to show this woman very active in the city, very dynamic," said Sophie Delafontaine, the house's creative director. Captured by Dane Shitagi in Manhattan and Dumbo, the campaign follows the girls while running and dancing in the streets. Both models have dance backgrounds and are joined in the Longchamp campaign by professional dancer Alexia Level. The choreography was made by Blanca Li who said that they tried to make a fresh and original movie.
Coco Rocha wrote on her blog that, "I had so much fun with this dog, and yes, he was literally pulling me in every direction – that’s not acting!"

Indeed, the new Longchamp campaign is extremely refreshing and cheerful. The Longchamp woman becomes playful and is not afraid to take chances chasing after dogs and hopping over police barricades. "The Longchamp woman is free, independent and plays with fashion. An active woman, full of energy, contemporary. Cosmopolitan, she looks for enjoyment while remaining chic, elegant and fashionable," Sophie Delafontaine said.

The brand's spring 2012 handbag collection features numerous designs from casual and functional to a timeless, glamorous and elegant style. Longchamp brings lots of stylish goodies such as a new interpretation of a modern Amazon, a contemporary embodiment of the legendary warriors, in an exquisite line of saddlery-inspired bull-calf leather accessories, but also the famous Légende bags inspired by former doctor’s bags with their structured form, which is the collection’s signature. The brand also adopts an exotic theme with a discreet graphic design for an incredibly on-trend result.

The legendary house branched out from its handbag mainstays and ventured into ready-to-wear, footwear and other accessories. "The Longchamp brand is expanding on an international scale, needing to cope with this continuous movement as it always did with its collections, collaborations and more recently with its ready-to-wear line. The choice of the 'creative movement' concept perfectly answers to Longchamp's identity," said Marie-Sabine Leclercq, head of global communications at Longchamp.

News Source: becomegorgeous.com
 Photos courtesy of Longchamp

Supermodel next generation: Crawford daughter fronts Young Versace

Following on from the launch of Young Versace's first store in Milan last month, the brand has unveiled its new advertising campaign with supermodel Cindy Crawford's 10-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber as the face.

Modeling designs adorned with the label's iconic Greek key motif, Gerber was shot by acclaimed fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, who have previously worked on campaigns for the likes of Gucci and Givenchy.

According to the fashion house's creative director Donatella Versace, Gerber proved she has inherited her famous mother's talent when modeling the collection, which is aimed at youngsters aged 0-12.

"Like her mother, Kaia has a very special gift," she explained in a release. "The camera really, really loves her.

"Having Cindy on-set for the shoot took me back to all the amazing Avedon shoots we worked on together. It was such a special treat watching Kaia walk in her mother's footsteps!"

Gerber, who is Crawford's daughter with former model Rande Gerber, is the latest in a recent spate of youngsters emerging as fashion's next generation.

Earlier this month designer Meg Matthews tweeted a photograph of her and British rocker Noel Gallagher's 11-year-old daughter Anais captured by Mario Testino. London-based Anais is signed with Select Model Management, and has already modeled for Paul Smith Junior. See her in the label's Autumn/Winter 2010 campaign here.

Other emerging faces for the future include Kate Moss's half-sister Lottie, who caught the world's attention as one of the bridesmaids at the supermodel's wedding back in July. The 13-year-old has already posed for her family's vintage clothing shop and has been captured by fashion photographer Andrea Carter-Bowman.

Tradition is out of fashion, says Shobana

“When did I say I will not act in Malayalam?” asks Shobana, days before she is to perform her two-and-a-half hour performance on Krishna at JTPac in Kochi.

That must be music to the ears of filmmakers as well as film lovers in Kerala who have been missing her since the early 90s when she started concentrating on dance, accepting only one film per year or none at all.

“But the TV channels have been playing my films all the time,” she says, with a laugh.

Her favourites? “Yathra, Thenmavin Kombathu and that Jayaram film…” Is I>Manichithrathazhu, in which she played a schizophrenic caught between the past and present and won the national award, not in the list?

“Unlike dance, films are a collaborative effort. I was young while Pachikka (director Fazil) and others perhaps knew they were making a classic. Mohan Lal and Suresh Gopi supported me well.”
The actress, who has her roots in Thiruvananthapuram dispels the impression that she is in some kind of a self-imposed exile in Chennai.

“You make it sound as though I am living in America. I come to Kerala four times a year for my performances. My relatives keep visiting me and I visit them too. I have Malayalis among the staff here (in her dance school) and I remain a Malayali in mind and spirit.”

She recently completed her work in a Tamil film Poda Podi where she plays, what else, a dancer.

She is excited as she talks about the forthcoming show in Kochi.

“Bharatanatyam is always about God but being a performer, it is story telling that is more important than the religious aspect. Krishna is an international icon. I took him because there were a lot of questions about him in my mind. These questions formed over the years while listening to the bhajans, Geetha Govindam or kathaprasangams. There is the butter and clothes stealing Krishna and then there is the sensual aspect. So, this performance is the product of my attempt to write a story with different aspects in mind.”

One of the aspects she tries to throw light on is that of Krishna as a negotiator. “Most people comment on how beautiful it is and how colourful the costumes are. But I don’t know how far people understand the nuances.

For instance, I have touched upon how Krishna is a lover of peace throughout Mahabharata. When he comes to negotiate with the Kauravas, people expect him to come with his entire army and other regalia. But he arrives without any of that, accompanied only by Garuda.

” The sound design of the show is by Resul Pookutty while the voice overs for the characters are by Surya, Shabana Azmi, Prabhu, Radhika, Konkona Sen and Nandita Das. Is her style puritan or experimental? “Innovation is tomorrow’s tradition.

It is no longer in fashion to be traditional. Tradition is what your teachers taught you. If you ask about this particular performance, it is not a classical dance but can be called a classic,” she signs off.

Hot Hair Trends And Tips To Try In 2012

A new haircut, done well, is like wearing a new outfit every day,” says Senior Hairstylist and Colorist Karen Smith of José Eber Salon in Beverly Hills, California. She says of a woman’s hair, “It says a lot about your personality. The length and color of your hair tells the world who you are.” Smith shared her tips for getting glam this New Year’s Eve, hair looks to try in 2012, and the biggest mistakes that women make with their hair—all while keeping professional women, short on time, in mind.

New Year’s Eve Glam:

“Getting glam for New Year’s Eve shouldn’t take too much effort,” says Smith. “I always take the attitude that less is best. Don’t make it look as though you’ve spent hours in front of your bathroom mirror. Glam and beauty should never look like they are hard won.” Looks to try this New Year’s Eve include a loose chignon and a side braid—both are easy to try and decidedly not fussy

Hair Color Disasters:

Smith says the biggest hair mistake that women make is choosing the wrong color. “Women tend to go either too dark or too blonde,” according to Smith. “If the tone of your hair color is wrong, you can look tired. But if you have the right color, it will make your eyes and complexion sparkle.” Instead of going platinum blonde, ask your colorist to create a golden base and add highlights. When going dark, ask your colorist to weave in high and low lights to emphasize the texture of your cut.

Try a Ponytail:
A ponytail is easy for all women to pull off, according to Smith, “whether it is high, low, loose or tight.” Smith says, “My personal favorite is the side loose ponytail, with a few falling wisps, as though it were the most natural thing in the world, almost accidental. The other great thing about the ponytail look is that it is versatile, and suits almost everyone.” It seems like fashion designers are thinking the same thing—the ponytail was all over the Spring 2012 runways, including Derek Lam (pictured) and Marchesa.

Celebrity Hair Crush:

Gone are the days of “The Rachel” haircut, famously worn by Jennifer Aniston, or Gwyneth Paltrow’s long bob. “Everyone either wants to look like a Victoria’s Secret model or Carey Mulligan,” says Smith, of the most requested celebrity hairstyles at the moment.

Beautiful Long Hairstyles 2012

If you're looking for the perfect hairdo to be one step ahead of the newest beauty trends, opt for one of these beautiful long hairstyles. Find out what's really hot in terms of length, texture, bangs and layers when it comes to the 2012 hairstyle trends!


The up-and-coming hairstyle trends are as much about refinement and neat silhouettes as innovation. Get excited about your next transformation and leave the door open for new and daring styling options. The beautiful 2012 long hairstyles presented below managed to stay in the spotlight due to the high street allure these radiate. If you're ready for the spotlight, start compiling the most creative hair inspirations envisioned by professional hair stylists from all over the world. Let our parade of dazzling hair designs guide you through the selection of the most flattering style.

First prepare your locks for a well-deserved revitalizing session. Long hair looks stunning only if your tresses are in top shape. Make every strand stand out with deep-conditioning treatments. Get rid of split ends and unmanageable texture with the help of the perfect structure. Layered hair designs will serve as A-list alternatives to embrace a hip beauty trend.

Layers inject natural movement into your locks and provide you with a great set of sculpting options. Add an unexpected twist to your cascading locks with graduation. A blunt or layered fringe can also do magic to your lifeless locks. Explore the impact these versatile hairdressing ideas can have on your appearance.

Let your brand new hairstyle speak romance and sensuality! Discover the beauty of soft and tight curls and stylish waves. These accessories will add a super-healthy and voluminous quality to your hair. Long hair can be ultra-sexy even if you decide to stick to your natural texture. Ditch flat irons and smoothing creams to sport the hottest BIG hair trend. Take inspiration from these perfectly sculpted hair styles everyone can nail down without extra effort or master hairdressing skills. Consider the length of your locks and your hair type when building up the most suitable look for every event.

 News & images Source: .becomegorgeous.com

Pointy style statement

Wedges are back in vogue. Look around and you will find fashionistas showing them off in fab designs and colours. Brands like Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton will be rolling out their wedges in brand new avatars this year. When singer Kelly Rowland stepped out on the red carpet for the X Factor UK press launch, her wedge booties grabbed eyeballs. JLo, Ashley Greene and Taylor Swift are self-confessed lovers of the chunky heels. Back home, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Genelia D’Souza and Dia Mirza are also flaunting them.

The comfort factor makes them very appealing. Fashion designer Prasad Bidapa feels wedges are for everyone, “Wedges look wonderful. Girls always like looking tall and this footwear is also casual enough for everyday use. Unlike stilettos, they support the foot better. Wedges are best suited for daywear and might not work for an evening outing, unless designed in a particular way. They suit any body type, though.” Shoes in metallic hues, particularly in gold and gilver are also trendy. “The must-haves this season are black stilettos and nude heels as they make your legs look longer, a pair of jewelled slippers that look pretty with ethnic wear and slippers that have a silver-gold colour,” he adds.

The versatility of the wedges is another reason people are queuing up to buy them. Veena Jain of One Stop Milano says, “Wedges are oh-so-comfortable. They are very stylish and can be worn with everything, right from party wear to casuals.” She recommends stilettos, wedges and knee-high boots as they are ideal for chilly weather. The fact that wedges are glamorous and comfy at the same time make them a compulsory buy for designer Neetu Gupta. “I love wedges! You can play around with the shape, add a little curve here and some colour there and make them fun. I have a multi-coloured one that is really cool. I bought several pairs of wedges this year. They are dramatic; definitely the heels of the new age,” she quips. Black wedges that are “comfortable when you have to dance long hours,” and shoes with gold and silver bling figure on her must-have list.

Anushka Sharma is turning heads

As they say, fashion can make you or break you. In case of actor Anushka Sharma, it has certainly worked in her favour. While the actor with her girl-next-door look got a lukewarm response from style watchers, when she stepped into Bollywood four years back, the later part of year 2011 saw her
emerge out as quite a style icon. From her designer chic gowns to her stylish hairdos, Anushka has wowed all with her stellar style, which has undergone a subtle but a very posh make over.

Talking about this transformation, stylist Ankita Jain says, “Anushka is opting for more sleeker outfits. She’s wearing dresses that flatter her body type and is also experimenting with her hair. All this goes on to show that she’s planning her looks more carefully Anushkanow.”

Nisha Kundnani, Anushka’s current fashion stylist agrees, “One of the finest quality about Anushka’s new look is that nothing about her is over dramatic. She is also experimenting with fashion. So one day she could do a grunge jacket with distressed denims and boots, the other day she can make a 40s pencil silhouette work for her, the next she’ll carry a red carpet gown like a Hollywood star.”

Fashion designer Alpana of designer duo Alpana Neeraj says, “Whether it is her straight hair, unkempt waves, messy bun or a ponytail, Anushka is coming across as someone who wants to try out new styles.”

Top 10 fashion trends of 2011

In 2011, fashion was more accessible than ever before. The world's newest fashion icon and royal, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was photographed shopping at affordable chain stores. Designers talked directly to fans on TV and Twitter, and sold cheap chic collections on EBay, at H&M, Target and Macy's. There was so much information and so many opinions out there about fashion, that at times, it was difficult to find any consensus, much less a trend. But here are my picks:

1) Hot hues. Bright color is a trend that we saw simultaneously on the red carpet (Emma Stone, top left, in that pink-and-red Giambattista Valli dress at the "Friends With Benefits" premiere) on the runways (at Jil Sander, 3.1 Philip Lim, Prabal Gurung, Roksanda Ilincic) and on the streets, or rather, the fields at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, where neon reigned supreme. And it's only going to get stronger for spring 2012.

2) Dip-dyed hair. Kate Bosworth, Katy Perry and Lauren Conrad are just a few of the celebs who sported rainbow-colored tips this year. But I knew it was officially a trend when the 10-year-old boy sitting next to me at Sally Hershberger was getting a (very expensive) blue streak put in his tresses. Only in L.A.

3) Colored denim. Are you seeing a theme here? Skinny jeans didn't go anywhere this year. In fact, they were more popular than ever thanks to a widening range of color options available everywhere from J. Brand (above) to Forever 21.

4) Native accents. Fair Isle knits and Native American prints were splashed across everything from 1980s-era cropped tops, to chunky scarves, leggings and sweaters. If you're looking for the source, think back to the fall 2010 D&G runway (a Fair Isle fest as seen in the top right photo), Proenza Schouler's fall 2011 collection inspired by Santa Fe, and the music festivals.

5) Women in tuxedos. Beyonce wore a sequin Dolce & Gabbana tux at the VMA Awards, and Kim Kardashian (who is not one to cover up) wore one to pose for her family Christmas card. Tory Burch custom made her first tuxedo for pal Kanye West to wear to the Costume Institute Gala in May, then debuted her own range of tuxedos for women. But really, on a woman or a man, tuxedos (or le smoking as Yves Saint Laurent called them) are timeless.

6) Designer duds for a song. Missoni at Target (above right) and Versace at H&M, both out this year, were two of the most successful cheap chic collections of all time, as designers continued to go downmarket to increase the visibility of their brands and bring their style to a new generation of shoppers. The Missoni collection was a zippity zig-zag joy, and the Versace for H&M collection -- more Gianni than Donatella, more South Beach than Milano -- may have been the best Versace collection in years.

7) The new sobriety. Thank you Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (above left) for bringing modesty and appropriateness back to the public forum with your demure shift dresses, tailored coats and classic pumps.

8) McQueen mania. It was the royal wedding of the century, and the bride wore Alexander McQueen. The bad boy British designer may have died last year, but his fashion label has never been more popular thanks to the stunning designs of artistic director Sarah Burton, who is carrying on his legacy. More than half a million people went to see "Savage Beauty," the retrospective exhibition of his work, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, kicking off a frenzy among museum curators the world over to come up with more fashion programming.

9) Fur and feathers flying. From feather hair clips to feather earrings, ombre fur coats to oversized fur handbags, this year we fawned over fauna. Except in West Hollywood, where last month, the City Council passed a ban on fur sales that will take effect in 2013 -- and could push some high-end fashion retailers out of the neighborhood.

10) Shock and awe. It was a clash of tutus, animal prints and fried chicken necklaces, as Nicki Minaj (above left) and Lady Gaga (above right) tried to out-weird each other with wacky outfits this year. But fashion's tolerance for weird is high (how else to explain the fascination with Daphne Guinness?) and we loved it.


News and Images Source : latimesblogs.latimes.com

Fashion: 8 Effortless Holiday Styles

The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year for many reasons, but of course one of my favorites is the clothing. There’s a certain excitement surrounding getting dressed, even when it’s just for every day, and adding that extra element of sparkle, texture and color can certainly transform the everyday into something special.

Instead of your basic jeans or trousers, why not try a pair of velveteen pants with a simple embellished sweater? You’ll add a festive flair to even your most casual outings.

Go Glam

This season, the feeling is luxe and glam, with texture capturing our hearts. The good news is that you can simply add in an item or two and even your most tried and true basics will be transformed. Instead of a black jacket, opt for something with some sparkle or a luxurious cashmere cardigan. Make simple swaps for high impact on even the smallest budget and see how much fun you’ll have getting dressed this holiday!

8 Holiday Wardrobe Updates

Whether you’re getting dressed for a fancy soiree or a quiet evening with loved ones, here are some effortless ways to take your basic wardrobe to new heights during the season (hint: leave your holiday sweaters at home!)

1. Bring in Bright – Jewel tones, incl. ruby red and emerald green. Or try a bold shade of pink in a skirt, shoes or even a scarf. Think outside the box and wear these hues in new ways. While black and red can be a perennial holiday favorite, it can also look harsh and matronly. Try red and winter white for a more subdued – and on trend – look.
2. Black and White and chic all over – Jazz up your black and white, or black and ivory, by adding in a pattern with a dramatic contrast. Polka dots, plaids, animal prints and other designs keep it looking anything but boring. Add in a dash of color in your shoes or accessories for a whimsical spin.
3. Metallics and Neutrals are a wonderful way to lend a festive touch to your most simple basics, a jacket in a metallic or a sparkly neutral (think winter white sequins, for example) is an easy way to update many outfits in your wardrobe. A metallic scarf is another quick and easy look. Whites and creams are red-hot this season and have never looked better!
4. Glitz and Glamour – Old Hollywood glamour is back this season and looks better than ever. Try some sparkle in the form of sequins, metallic trim, embellishments and inlays for an understated dash of elegance on a sweater, a jacket or even a scarf. Avoid overkill and treat your embellishments as you would jewelry and adorn yourself accordingly.
5. Velvet and velveteen – Try black velvet with rhinestones or metallic embellishments for a chic look. Jackets and tops with velvet accents, or burn-out velvet, lend a romantic touch to your holiday look. Velvet pants or jeans in a neutral or a bright add in a sensual touch. Select an unexpected color for a twist.
6. Dresses – What would the holidays be without dresses? Try a one-shoulder version, a maxi dress or an alternative to the LBD in a gray or your best bright.
7. Update your makeup to include smokey eyes using blue or metallic shades. Long eyelashes and smudged liner are a great way to embellish your everyday look and to be something more special. Try a lipcolor that is natural and has a little sparkle to it, or if you’re more daring, one of the season’s hottest reds.
8. Bling it on – Accessories are a great way to bring a festive touch to your look and pull it all together. Rhinestones, gemstones, ribbons and pearls are everywhere this season. Go all out but don’t go overboard.

News & Images Credit: carycitizen.com

Eddie Redmayne & Cara Delevingne for Burberry's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign!

Exciting news, you guys! The new Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2012 campaign has just landed – and who are Christopher Bailey's latest muses? None other than Eddie Redmayne and Cara Delevingne.

It's no secret that the enviably-browed Cara has slotted seamlessly into the Burberry fold. She first appeared in the S/S'11 campaign, followed by those Burberry Beauty ads, and has opened several of the brand's London Fashion Week catwalk shows, including the latest for S/S'12.

As for Eddie, it may come as a surprise to hear he’s already in Bailey's crew too. Remember the S/S'08 campaign when Agyness Deyn was jumping about with a hot male? Yep, that's our Eddie. Four years later and we're very pleased to see him reinstated as the quintessential Burberry hero, wrapped in a parka and holding a cuppa tea. What more could you ask for?

‘Christopher wanted something playful from the shoot,’ Eddie reveals, ‘and so Cara and I had a genius couple of days fooling around.’ It sure looks like it, Mr Redmayne! Because although the Brit brand has become famous for showcasing young, homegrown talent, it's not often we see a Burberry couple doing this

Ooh err. Okay so Jourdan Dunn did get cosy with Sacha M'Baye on Brighton beach for S/S'11 and Emma Watson was draped around George Craig for S/S'10, but it was nothing like these two, getting all steamy on the floor in His 'n' Hers coats! In fact, Cara appears to be wearing nothing but the trademark trench, fox-tastic platform sandals and a saucy stare while Eddie lies beside her. It's enough to get you hot under your Burberry checked collar.

This only serves to heighten Grazia's growing lust for Mr Redmayne who first caught our eye alongside Michelle Williams in 'My Week With Marilyn'. That pout, the frothy hair, those boyish freckles...we swoon. But aside from wooing blonde bombshells, the actor is set to star in a mega film production of 'Les Miserables' while Cara is venturing into acting herself for the latest adaptation of 'Anna Karenina'. So yes, these two are hot stuff for 2012. Nice work, Burbs.

But the question remains: will the pair make like the aforementioned Emma and George by becoming the hot new couple on the fashwan block? If anyone can make it happen, it's Christopher Bailey.

News and Images Credit: graziadaily.co.uk